KIND-HEARTED Alex Channon has swapped miners for minors at a Salford primary school...and earned a reputation as everybody's friend.

Formerly a miner at Agecroft Colliery, Alex has worked as a learning mentor at St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School for the past four years, where his friendly approach has boosted youngsters' confidence - and their grades.

As well as helping children deal with crippling issues such as a bereavement in the family or low self-esteem, Alex has become a vital bridge between the school and its community.

Now his efforts with the children and their families have been recognised by officials at the Department for Education and Skills, who have presented him with one of just 10 Excellence In Cities champion awards.

"I was overwhelmed to find out that I was an Excellence In Cities champion," said Alex, 53, of Swinton, Salford, who was presented with the award by Schools Standards Minister David Miliband.

"I love the job, which makes you a bridge between school and parents. People seem to like me and I love working with kids and their families, doing whatever I can to help."

Alex - who left school at 15 and spent 25 years down the pit - was first employed by the school four years ago, with the mission of helping youngsters who were having difficulties in the classroom.

Having disliked school as a youngster, he says that no one was more surprised than himself to be working in a classroom. But now he can't imagine a more appealing job. And he believes his own experience of school and of growing up in the care system helps him relate others.

One of the techniques Alex has developed is the use of stones, which he asks the children to arrange to represent themselves and their friends or members of their family - often revealing how they feel in a less emotional way. Alex has also used gardening at the school to help youngsters with their emotions - sprucing up the school at the same time.

His work has been praised for its success in reducing playground aggression, improving attendance and the atmosphere in the classroom, and raising youngsters' self-confidence.

Headteacher Josephine McDermott said: "Alex is invaluable and now I can't imagine how we would operate as a successful school without his role. He has lots of links with parents and makes home visits."

In a ceremony to mark the contribution of the Excellence In Cities' champions, Schools Standards Minister Mr Miliband said: "We're seeing a complete turnaround in standards in urban areas and results are improving rapidly. That is thanks in no small part to people like Alex Channon.''